Travellers' Voice

20/12/2023

As we draw the curtains on another year, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey we've embarked on together. Your support and readership have been the cornerstone of our publication's success.

Within the pages of Travellers’ Voice, we've aimed to inform, inspire, and engage, sharing stories that resonate, insights that provoke thought, and knowledge that empowers. Your continued trust and engagement have fuelled our commitment to delivering content that enriches, educates, and entertains.

As we step into a new year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your loyalty and dedication. May the upcoming year be filled with joy, prosperity, and an abundance of opportunities. Let's continue this journey together, exploring new narratives, gaining fresh perspectives, and creating a shared tapestry of knowledge and understanding.

From all of us at Travellers’ Voice Magazine, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here's to a 2024 filled with hope, growth, and boundless possibilities.

14/12/2023

Discrimination is the ‘unfair or unjust treatment towards those of a different background, race, religion, gender or disability’.

Discrimination is a global problem which negatively impacts many marginalised people, and the Traveller Community are arguably one of the most discriminated against people in Ireland.

As a result, many from our community hide their identities to “assimilate” and “blend in” to what society considers ‘normalised standards’. Fearing what people may think or say about us. Fear of being judged often leads to turning down opportunities in either work or education because we do not want to be discriminated against or stereotyped. https://www.travellersvoice.ie/2023/12/08/hiding-your-light-afraid-to-shine/

14/12/2023

There is a great opportunity to attend a Mental Health Workshop at the Longford Arms Hotel on booked to be held in the Longford Arms Hotel.
If you are involved in Youth Work or know anyone between the ages of 15-25 who may be interested in attending. Bring them along!!! We look forward to seeing you there.

10/12/2023

This year, we have featured some motivational members of the Traveller community, people who are raising the bar in terms of the expectations of the community and inspiring the upcoming generation as a result. The final issue of the year always gives us an opportunity here at Travellers’ Voice HQ to reflect on the many positive stories and role models we have featured during the year. We hope that the stories shared within this publication serve as an inspiration to anyone who may be pondering their next steps, be that in terms of education, career, or general life support!

This issue is no exception; we are proud to feature Journalist, Irish Traveller, and Disability Activist Emma Ward on the cover. As an Irish Traveller and someone who has a disability, Emma faces many misconceptions; she feels that a common misconception is that Travellers don’t want to work, and she highlights the challenges in terms of the lack of employment opportunities for the community.
Speaking about Travellers in employment, we have a wonderful story in this issue about a pair of Twin sisters from Donegal who are on the way to taking the hospitality industry by storm! Annie and Philomena O’Reilly are employed as Food and Beverage Assistants, playing a significant part in ensuring the hotel they work for earned the Gold Medal for Best Hotel Breakfast in Ireland. Annie and Philomena give an insight into their typical day and the support they received to ensure their success in Harvey’s Point Hotel.

It is the season to be giving, a sentiment which is now more important than ever as this and many other countries face challenges in the cost of living. Some families across Ireland are feeling the pinch to the extent that decisions are often made between light and heat and basic necessities such as food! The Ken Smollen Food Appeal is a charity which is bridging the gap for families by delivering food parcels to over 1,200 households monthly in the Midlands, 350 of those families in the Westmeath area alone. The Ken Smollen charity is a vital lifeline for those most in need. In this issue, we highlight the charity and its impact, as well as declare that there is no shame in reaching out for a helping hand when it’s needed.

Our readers may remember Ian McDonagh from previous issues of Travellers’ Voice, having been previously featured for winning a Traveller Pride Award in Education, as well as winning multiple awards in the annual Young Scientist competition. Ian has recently become the first member of the Traveller community in Ireland to establish a funeral business! According to Ian, Grá Funeral Care provides culturally appropriate funeral services to members of the Traveller community.

Finally, we would want to thank all our readers, contributors and supporters for making this issue, and those before it possible! Until next issue, from all of us here at Travellers’ Voice, we wish you and yours a warm and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

30/11/2023

The Irish Traveller Movement will appear before an Oireachtas committee this morning to discuss Traveller accommodation.

The Irish Traveller Movement will appear before an Oireachtas committee this morning to discuss Traveller accommodation.

23/11/2023

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Position: Reporter / Feature Writer

Travellers’ Voice Magazine; which has been in print since 1992, is the only national publication in Ireland with a key focus on the positive promotion of the Traveller community. With a targeted readership of Travellers and the wider community, we strive as to inform the general public about Traveller life, and the role they play in society.

The position advertised will require the successful candidate to research, structure and write articles to be published in Travellers’ Voice Magazine

Involve CLG

23/11/2023

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Position: Sales and Distribution

Are you an enthusiastic and results-driven individual? We're on the hunt for a Salesperson to join our team and specialise in selling subscriptions to our national publication, Travellers’ Voice Magazine. The successful candidate will be responsible for increasing awareness of Travellers’ Voice, growing and maintaining a sales database and coordinating distribution for our publication.

Involve CLG

25/10/2023

Travellers' Voice Magazine readers! We are excited to announce 'Tales of the Past'. This is where we will share the stories and photos of our ancestors and their journeys. We want to celebrate our rich and diverse culture and heritage, and we need your help!

Do you have any old photos or stories of your family or community that you would like to share with us? Maybe you have a photo of your great-grandparents on their wedding day, or a story of how they travelled across the country, Whatever it is, we would love to hear from you!

Please send us your photos and stories to our email address: [email protected] or [email protected]

By sharing your photos and stories, you are helping us to preserve and honour our history and identity.

Thank you for your support and participation. We look forward to seeing your amazing photos and stories!

24/10/2023

At Travellers’ Voice Magazine, we believe that diversity, inclusivity, and equality are not only essential values but also powerful drivers of positive change. That’s why we are committed to promoting and celebrating these principles in our work and in our community.

These principles are important for any workplace because they foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. They also help to attract and retain talented and diverse employees, who can bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. They also enhance the reputation and credibility of the organization, as well as its social responsibility and impact.

We have attached an article, that we think shows a perfect understanding and definition of what diversity, equality, and inclusion are and how important it is within the workplace.

In this McKinsey Explainer, we explore what diversity, equity, and inclusion is and why successful organizations are actively embracing DE&I.

13/10/2023

11/10/2023

On the cover of this issue, we have the absolute pleasure of featuring Helena Power. As the cover states, Helena is a true powerhouse within her community and has her eyes set firmly on the goal of equality and better life conditions for her community. Helena has a passion for addressing the challenges within her community in Kilkenny in order to highlight and improve them! Mags caught up with Helena recently to chat about all things work, life and future plans.

Within Travellers’ Voice, we have always highlighted members of the community who challenge the stereotypes imposed on them, and people who are determined to bring about positive change within the community. This issue kicks off the Young Change Makers, where the magazine will shine a spotlight on the younger positive role models within the Traveller community. In this issue, reporter Elizabeth O’Leary spoke to James Stokes. 17-year-old James from Kildare has big plans for his future, with politics featuring heavily in these plans. If you know any young person you would like to see featured in an upcoming Young Change Makers, please feel free to nominate them via email.

Did you know that almost 90% of individuals with mental health issues feel that stigma and discrimination negatively impact their lives? In this issue, Elizabeth speaks about some of the factors that may cause negative mental health, the impact of Discrimination on people with mental health issues and why it is important to stop stigmatising mental health issues!

The new Bill to introduce Domestic Violence leave is a step in the right direction when it comes to supporting those affected by Domestic Violence. The domestic violence leave, scheduled to be implemented soon, aims to provide victims with the necessary support without worrying about losing their income. We examine this Bill and its impact, as well as offer advice on how to support someone who you know is experiencing Domestic Violence.

04/10/2023

We here at Travellers' Voice have an amazing opportunity for those looking to join a dynamic and creative team.

We are looking for two Journalists/Reporters. This position is part-time with 21 hours per week. You must have a passion for writing and reporting, working alongside team members, and editors to research and write original stories.

If you feel that you would make a great fit for this role, please do not hesitate to apply.

Involve CLG

03/10/2023

Barnardos has an amazing opportunity for those in the community. Recruiting a Project Worker in Supporting Traveller Women in Prison.

The purpose of this role is to provide trauma-informed flexible support, to meet the wide range of needs of Traveller women as well as their families, and to develop relationships with Traveller women in the criminal justice system in order to identify their needs.

If you feel you would make a great fit for this role, please apply. The closing date is Friday 13th October 2023 at 12 noon. Please note that CVs will not be accepted and only applications through the Barnardos website.

08/09/2023

Congratulations Latisha

23/08/2023

This Sunday, 4-5pm, as part of the Smithfield Fleadh Stephen Dunne, Paddy Keenan, Trish Reilly and Sharyn Ward will perform at an hour long commemoration of the Pe**er Dunne.

This event is free to attend.

21/08/2023

Casting Call

Young male singer between the ages of 10-14.

SEEKING
Young Boy Singer (10-14) from the Irish Traveller Community.

Send an email to [email protected] with a photo & singing clip!

Submission close Friday Sept 1st 2023.

08/08/2023

Five days, fully paid Domestic Violence Leave, over 12 months will be available to all employees who are experiencing or subjected to abuse. This legislation will be introduced in Autumn, allowing those access to legal advice and support to manage domestic violence situations.

You can read more about this Legislation in the next September/October issue of our magazine.

27/07/2023

Join our Team

Involve / Travellers’ Voice Magazine are currently recruiting a
Business Development and Sales Officer

Travellers’ Voice Magazine is the only national publication in Ireland with a key focus on the positive promotion of the Traveller community; it has been in print since 1992.

https://www.activelink.ie/vacancies/community/101925-involve-travellers-voice-magazine-business-development-sales-officer

20/07/2023

https://www.advertiser.ie/athlone/article/136688/pertinent-in-depth-panel-discussion-hosted-during-celebration-of-traveller-prideweek

An event hosted to celebrate young Traveller change makers took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel recently.

An event hosted to celebrate young Traveller change makers took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel recently.

14/07/2023

https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/traveller-pride-week-6118480-Jul2023/

MEMBERS OF THE Traveller community are generally highlighted in the press for negative reasons. Online discourse around the community is often filled with racist undertones and judgement. Traveller Pride Week is the one opportunity where Travellers can come together and celebrate our vibrant culture, identity, and resilience.

Michael Power of Involve Youth Services looks at the challenges and the positives to be addressed around this year’s Traveller Pride Week.

13/07/2023

JB Dondolo Organization 4th Annual Music For Water Competition
Dallas, TX 07-06-2023 - The 4th Annual JB Dondolo Music for Water is a global competition for emerging musicians to have their water-themed song signed to a distribution deal and showcased by JB Dondolo as the organisation's theme song for 2023-2024. Music for Water intends to create a song that ignites awareness of the global importance of clean drinking water and accessible sanitation and hygiene while raising funds for sanitization stations across Skid Row in Los Angeles.

The competition is open to all emerging musicians, regardless of age, nationality, or genre. Songs must be original and water-themed and must be submitted in either mp3 or wav format. The submission period is open from June 1 to August 31, 2023.

Our panel of industry professionals, Hip Hop Gamer Gerard Williams, American Idol contestant Mario Bonds, Hip Hop artist G Souldier, and R&B artist Shawna Linzy, will be a few of the judges judging the submissions, and the top five songs will be featured in a public voting round. The song with the most votes will be chosen and awarded cash prizes presented by JB Dondolo's partners.

The top three runners-up will also be participating either live or virtual to perform their songs at the JB Dondolo Gala Awards event on December 3rd, 2023, in Dallas.
In addition to the prize money, the JB Dondolo Music for Water competition winner will receive a feature on JB Dondolo's social media channels, website, and affiliated media outlets and opportunities to perform at all upcoming JB Dondolo events.
To learn more about the competition and to submit your song, please visit the JB Dondolo website. Here are the critical dates for the competition:
● Submission period: June 1 to August 31, 2023
● Public voting round: September 1 to September 15, 2023
● Winner announced: December 3, 2023, in Dallas

We are excited to announce our media partnership with Travellers’ Voice Magazine, a publication dedicated to profiling all aspects of the Traveller community nationally and internationally. Its target readership is Travellers and the community to inform the public about Traveller’s life and societal role.

Established in 1992, the publication has become a valuable and respected source of information for this community and those who work within it.
From its first issue in 1992, Travelers' Voice publication has striven to tell the other
side of the story; the positive side of Irish Traveller life, heritage, and culture remains the only publication of its kind in Ireland.

Travellers’ Voice is also considered an authentic and impartial glimpse of the Traveller community as most of its team is community members; from a Travellers’ perspective, this ensures it is the trusted source for news and information about the community.
Travellers’ Voice proudly carries diverse types of feature articles, reviews, health, advice, inspirational human-interest profiles, and much, much more besides.

From Travellers’ Voice Team

We recognise music’s significant role in the Traveller community. We are thrilled to share that we have formed an official media Partnership with the JB Dondolo; Music for Water, Campaign for this year.
Our team is excited to contribute to the campaign by providing current updates and interviews with the judges and contestants through our publication and social media channels.

About JB Dondolo

Lumbie Mlambo founded JB Dondolo, Inc. in 2012. JB Dondolo Inc.’s mission is to remove barriers to accessing basic needs that underserved and impoverished communities face. JB Dondolo, Inc. firmly believes that access to clean water is a human right. Mlambo accepted a 2019 UN Global Leadership Award presented by the Dallas Chapter of the United Nations Association of the United States of America. The award honoured the work the organisation completed towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through installing a filtration system at a medical clinic in Zimbabwe.

For media inquiries contact:

Beatrice Davis
312-933-5744
[email protected]

Travellers' Voice
[email protected]

12/07/2023

PRESS RELEASE

Celebrating Young Traveller Change Makers during Traveller Pride Week 2023

As part of Traveller Pride Week, an event is taking place Thursday the 13th of July in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel from 11 am to 4 pm celebrating young Traveller Change Makers. Traveller Pride Week is a two-week event celebrating Travellers' culture, heritage and identity, which kicked off on the 3rd of July. This event is hosted by the National Traveller Youth steering committee consisting of the Irish Traveller Movement, Pavee Point, Exchange House Ireland, Involve, Minceirs Whiden and the Galway Traveller Movement.

There will be a panel discussion among young Traveller Change Makers Latisha McCrudden, James Stokes and Emma Ward to an audience of young Travellers as a means to not only celebrate their achievements but also instill pride and hope among all young Travellers attending that they too can achieve great things despite the many additional barriers they encounter as young Travellers.

Traveller Pride Week is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and coordinated by the national Traveller organisations consisting of the National Traveller MABS, the Irish Traveller Movement , Involve Youth and Community Services, Pavee Point , the Parish of the Travelling People, Exchange House Ireland , Minceirs Whiden and the National Traveller’s Women’s Forum.

12/07/2023

Ballyfermots Traveller Pride event, as part of the Ballyfermot Cherry Orchard Arts festival 2023 🎭👏🏻